Welcome, all, again. This season has provided many stellar series, but GATE demands special recognition for its attention to detail and story development. Perhaps my own prior military service colors my admiration for this show, but it is more my interest in history that fuels my appreciation for the writers' delicate exploration of social and political considerations exhibited by individuals and nations.

Welcome, all, again. This time, I'll be shining a spotlight upon three entertaining new short programs: Danchigai; Wakaba*Girl; and Wakakozake. Admittedly, this is not the column I intended to submit this month.

Welcome, all, again. This is a very special column for me, marking my first anniversary as a content contributor to the Fan! I've had great fun sharing my opinions and recommendations with you, and deeply appreciate the support I've received from both readers and staff.

Welcome, all, again. Today I break one of my own long-standing rules as I prepare to discuss the anime Plastic Memories with just two episodes broadcast so far. And please notice that I am not calling this a review--such is quite implausible with my having watched so few episodes.

Welcome, all, again. In this installment, we will discuss Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend, a cautionary tale of professional and romantic ambition. Or something like that. Honestly, who'd want a boring girlfriend?

Welcome, all, again. I find myself writing this column just a couple of weeks into a new season of anime, so I must decline attempting a premature evaluation of new shows. Meanwhile, three series (in particular) are continuing this season from last, and all seem to be doing so strongly: Your Lie in April, Yona of the Dawn, and Shirobako.

Welcome, all, again. Our subject this time is Shirobako, an anime about making anime. And while that might sound like an invitation to kid-glove treatment of subject matter and blatant self-serving promotion, this show deftly repudiates those concerns. It is both funny and engrossing, but makes me wonder how we get to see any anime at all!